Big Data Analysis Could Bring Supply Chain Insights

In a recent article from The Electrical Distributor magazine, James Cooke explains how unanalyzed data can provide a treasure trove of information. Advances in computer hardware and software now make it possible to pour through those heaps of data, both structured (residing in conventional databases) and unstructured (which lies in information repositories such as email accounts or social media networks). A number of software vendors, from big names like IBM to smaller, specialized companies, have begun developing special applications that can sift through “big data” to spot patterns and find hidden cause-and-effect relationships.

Although big data analysis can be applied to all functions of the business from marketing to finance, it’s particularly promising for the supply chain. For starters, this type of analysis could be used to make connections between other aspects of their business that impact transportation and warehouse operations. For example, sifting through shipping records might discover a link between a particular type of packaging and product damage that occurs during shipping. To read more, visit the TED website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Industrial Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Contractor Supply software supplements have recently been updated. Visit our website to download your copy!

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Webinar: Strategic Planning for Distributors

Join Brent R. Grover, nationally recognized distribution industry consultant, speaker and author of six NAW books, as he debuts his newest book, “The Little Black Book of Strategic Planning for Distributors.”

During this hour-long webinar, Grover discusses how you can use strategic planning to shift your mindset from thinking only about today to instead focusing on putting together a realistic and executable plan for your company’s future, including these key steps:

Organize a strategic planning project

Gather the needed information

Build a one-page plan

Execute your plan

Create a system to monitor results

Take corrective action

This insightful webinar will give you the tools you need to take your distribution business to the next level!  Visit the Advanced Distribution Software website to register and learn more.

The Brown Smith Wallace Industrial Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Contractor Supply software supplements have recently been updated. Visit our website to download your copy!

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Reynolds Catering Supplies and Infor M3

Supporting the food and catering industries means providing supplies in their freshest state. But there is the problem of serving a high volume of customers without becoming impersonal. New approaches to data – and giving customers more visibility into that data – can help.

In a video interview with Reynolds Catering Supplies CEO Tony Reynolds, Reynolds describes the challenges of combining personal customer support with an ever-growing client base and their accompanying needs. Making the decision to utilize Infor M3 helped him win the logistics wars.

Watch the complete interview on YouTube.

The Brown Smith Wallace Industrial Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Contractor Supply software supplements have recently been updated. Visit our website to download your copy!

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9 Business Principles For Distributors That Never Go Out Of Style

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” It’s an old saying that illustrates an important business truth: While old and proven principles of sound business management are often wrapped in new clothes and offered as fresh discoveries, careful examination usually reveals the reality that the most important doctrines of successful business management have been around for a long time.

In this informational article from The Electrical Distributor magazine, nine of those reliable management principles that are essential to business are explained and described in detail. Visit the TED website to read more.

The Brown Smith Wallace Industrial Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Contractor Supply software supplements have recently been updated. Visit our website to download your copy!

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How Can Distributors Stay Current In A Tech-Driven Market?

In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, your customers want their information easily accessible and they want it now. If your website is slow, your online product catalogue is old or your site mobile is inefficient, you’re losing customers.

If you’re resistant to adaptation and all of its pain points, it’s important to remember that adaptation is less painful than becoming irrelevant. These days, it’s much harder for distributors to stay relevant because customers have so many options. Product lines are becoming blurred. Mass distributors such as Amazon can provide everything customers need in one place, a major benefit for the customer looking for convenience.

Read more on the Advanced Distribution Today blog.

The Brown Smith Wallace Industrial Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Contractor Supply software supplements have recently been updated. Visit our website to download your copy!

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SAP Brings the Power of Dashboards to Mobile Devices

SAP recently announced the latest version of the SAP® BusinessObjects™ Mobile mobile app. The newest release allows users to visualize, explore, collaborate from within the app and share business performance through personalized and simple views in a secure environment designed natively for iPad.

Updates to SAP BusinessObjects Mobile allow for:

• Highly interactive dashboard capabilities, including native iPad gestures, such as the ability to pinch, zoom, share and collaborate.
• One mobile app for all BI content, including SAP® BusinessObjects™ Web Intelligence® software, SAP® BusinessObjects™ Dashboards software, SAP® Crystal Reports® software and SAP® BusinessObjects™ Design Studio.
• Powerful and consistent functionality, including geo-spatial and location analytics, text annotation, such as draw, crop or blurring of sensitive numbers, as well as online and offline use and integration with the SAP® BusinessObjects™ Business Intelligence platform and SAP® Mobile Platform

To learn more, visit the SAP Newsroom blog.

The Brown Smith Wallace Industrial Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Contractor Supply software supplements have recently been updated. Visit our website to download your copy!

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Epicor's MPR Software Solutions

Built using a true service-oriented architecture (SOA), Epicor production management and MPR software solutions enable continuous performance initiatives, real-time connectivity, and intuitive business intelligence—from the shop floor all the way through to your supply-chain partners—to provide greater business agility in pursuit of perfect customer service.

Learn more about the options available including MRP Software for Discrete Manufacturers, MRP Software for Process Manufacturers, MES Software for Manufacturers, MRP Software and Manufacturing Software, and Comprehensive Manufacturing Production Software, visit the Epicor website to download specifications and white papers outlining the necessary planning and roll-out process.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2012 Mid-Year Supplements are available. Visit our website to download your copy!

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